2014 Giacomo Conterno, Barbera d'Alba, Francia

The 2014 Barbera d'Alba Francia is a surprisingly rich, powerful wine, especially for the year. An exotic mélange of dark cherry, plum, lavender, sage, cloves and graphite builds in the glass. There is a level of demi-glace-like textural richness that is impossible to miss. Intense and virile, the 2014 will drink beautifully for a number of years.

This is tangy and intense showing a gorgeous center palate and energy of acid and fruit. Medium to full body with flavors of oranges and plums. Great finish. Fascinating wine. Drink now. October 2016 release.

The 2014 Barbera d'Alba Francia opens to beautiful fullness and sheer depth that represents the darker, softer and more generous side of this grape. I tasted the wine from barrel approximately one month before bottling. Roberto Conterno says that 2014 was a good year for both Barbera, but especially Nebbiolo that experienced a natural selection process in the vineyard due to low yields. This wine offers ripe fruit tones with bold lines and beautifully balanced concentration.